Career and Education Opportunities for Surgical Technicians in Texas

Texas has a population of 24,782,302, which has grown by 18.85% over the past decade. Nicknamed the "Lone Star State," its capital is Austin, though its most populous city is Houston.

There are currently 6,460 working surgical technicians in Texas; this should grow by 41% to 9,140 working surgical technicians in the state by 2016. This is better than the national trend for surgical technicians, which sees this job pool growing by about 25.3% over the next eight years. In general, surgical technicians assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

Income for surgical technicians is about $18 per hour or $37,900 annually on average in Texas. Nationally, their income is about $18 hourly or $38,740 per year. Compared with people working in the overall category of Healthcare Technical, people working as surgical technicians in Texas earn less. They earn less than people working in the overall category of Healthcare Technical nationally. People working as surgical technicians can fill a number of jobs, such as: surgical scrub technologist, surgical scrub technician, and endoscopic technologist.

In 2008, there were a total of 14,469,900 jobs in Texas. The average annual income was $37,809 in 2008, up from $36,838 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Texas was 7.6% in 2009, which has grown by 2.7% since the previous year. Roughly 23.2% of Texas residents have college degrees, which is lower than the national average.

CITIES WITH Surgical Technician OPPORTUNITIES IN Texas

JOB DESCRIPTION: Surgical Technician

Surgical Technician video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, surgical technicians assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. They also may help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon's assistants, hold retractors, and help count sponges, needles, and instruments.

Every day, surgical technicians are expected to be able to see details at a very fine level of focus. They need to articulate ideas and problems. It is also important that they listen to and understand others in meetings.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Texas include:

Cardiac Technician. Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary-functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

Dental Hygienist. Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Radiation Therapist. Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Radiological Technician. Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.

Sonographer. Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Texas

Texas photo by Flcelloguy

Texas has a population of 24,782,302, which has grown by 18.85% in the last 10 years. Nicknamed the "Lone Star State," its capital is Austin, though its biggest city is Houston. In 2008, there were a total of 14,469,900 jobs in Texas. The average annual income was $37,809 in 2008, up from $36,838 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Texas was 7.6% in 2009, which has grown by 2.7% since the previous year. Approximately 23.2% of Texas residents have college degrees, which is lower than the national average.